Manchester United 'keen on cut-price deal for Mehdi Taremi'

Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Porto forward Mehdi Taremi to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new striker, and it has been claimed that their budget for an attacker will be around £65m unless there are some notable departures.

As a result, the club could be priced out of moves for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani.

Erik ten Hag's side are also in discussions with Inter Milan over a possible deal for Andre Onana, which could lead to a cut-price forward arriving during the current window.

According to Jornal de Noticias, Man United boss Ten Hag is a huge admirer of Taremi and has instructed his club to explore a potential deal for him.

© Reuters

The report claims that Porto would be willing to accept offers in excess of €20m (£17m) for the forward, who has found the back of the net on 36 occasions in 68 caps for Iran.

Taremi was also in strong form for Porto during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 31 times in 51 appearances in all competitions, in addition to contributing 14 assists.

The striker netted 22 goals and registered eight assists in 33 league appearances, while he managed five goals and two assists in seven Champions League outings last term.

The Iranian made the move to Porto from Rio Ave in 2020, and he has represented the club on 147 occasions in all competitions, scoring 80 goals and registering 49 assists in the process.

© Reuters

Throughout his professional career, meanwhile, Taremi has managed 179 goals and 85 assists in 342 appearances, including spells at Persepolis, Al-Gharafa SC, Iranjavan FC and Shahin Bushehr FC.

Porto are not in a strong position when it comes to the striker's future, as his contact is due to expire next June.

The Portuguese giants are said to be reluctant to lose him on a free transfer, which has made them open to offers this summer, with the money received then being reinvested in the squad.

Man United are set to secure their first signing of the summer window next week, with Mason Mount preparing to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of a £60m move from Chelsea.

The Red Devils will be back in pre-season training on Monday, although the players involved for their countries during the recent internationals will not report back until a later date.